Adding Fiber Supplement to Diet Improves Blood Glucose Control

A fiber supplement may help you manage your blood glucose, according to a review of 28 clinical trials that included a total of 1,394 middle-aged adults with type 2 diabetes. The studies varied in length from three weeks to a year. The combined results: After about eight weeks, participants who took around 13 grams of viscous fiber per day via supplement saw significant improvements in blood glucose compared with those whose only fiber came from their diets. On average, their A1C dropped by 0.58 percent and their fasting blood glucose fell by about 15 mg/dl. Talk to your doctor or dietitian about how much fiber to include in your diet (the daily recommendation is about 25 grams per day for women and about 31 grams per day for men) and whether it makes sense for you to take a supplement.Source:Diabetes Care, published online Jan. 7, 2019